Consumer Sentiment Slides Amid Recession Fears
High inflation and low unemployment are clashing, resulting in economic pessimism that hasn’t been seen in more than a decade.
High inflation and low unemployment are clashing, resulting in economic pessimism that hasn’t been seen in more than a decade.
After a pandemic-era spike, American consumers are saving at a lower rate than they have in over a decade.
A look inside strategies and programs that are helping credit unions of all sizes make a difference in the communities they serve.
The number of neobanks launching around the world has fallen significantly, but that doesn’t mean fintech adoption rates are following suit.
Look beyond the headlines to discover the driving forces behind market trends and consider how they impact a credit union’s investment portfolio.
Bob Falk joined Purdue Federal Credit Union ($1.8B, West Lafayette, IN) in August 2002 as the vice president of lending at what was then Purdue Employees FCU. He took the helm in 2008 and since then, the cooperative has rebranded, tripled in assets, doubled in staff size, and grown membership from 57,000 to more than
NET LIQUIDITY CHANGE FOR U.S. CREDIT UNIONS | DATA AS OF 06.30.22 © Callahan & Associates | CreditUnions.com The federal government took a variety of steps to provide economic relief during the first year of the pandemic, including distributing trillions of dollars directly to consumers. As a result, credit union shares grew at record rates
Amid market volatility and ongoing loan demand, cash balances decreased nearly $66 billion. What else happened in the investment portfolio?
Macroeconomic shifts drove changes in member demand, which impacted top-level credit union metrics.
Wage growth for full-time equivalent employees has stayed well above the Consumer Price Index for years, but surging inflation has turned the tables, resulting in a nearly six-point gap.

Inflation, war, and uncertain futures have reshaped members’ needs in 2026. What does credit union performance data from the first quarter of 2026 say about household budgets, inflation pressures, and more?

Look beyond the headlines to better understand what is driving current market trends and how they could impact credit union investment portfolios.

Today’s job market is shaped by skills based expectations, with employers slowing entry level hiring and placing greater emphasis on applied experience.

St. Cloud Financial is betting on digital assets to protect member relationships and future relevance. It’s picked up lessons for other leaders along the way.

Traditional risk tools alone aren’t enough. Portfolio protection must evolve to meet members within the lending experience itself.

The Ohio cooperative is refining the role of its foundation to clarify what belongs within the credit union and what belongs under its charitable arm, strengthening focus and long term strategy for both.

The credit union migrated its on-premises contact center and implemented workforce management software to maximize efficiency, minimize costs, and provide a better member experience.

A new approach to vehicle affordability for credit unions.

Youth banking programs, in-school branches, and a warm handoff to adulthood builds habits and relationships that last well beyond graduation.

Callahan & Associates provides an early look at quarterly performance results. Sneak a peek at the latest trends here.